Women’s Enterprise Developments & Achievements

Among many activities developed for rural empowerment, women’s enterprise sector of the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) stands out as a strong pillar of overall success and development seen in rural villages. The trainings conducted by Foundation of Goodness not only stand as an inspiration for rural women but it also enables them to develop and improve their businesses.

At Seenigama, a wide range of courses are conducted that educate, empower and allow business opportunities for village women. Interior decoration, wedding planning and event management workshops conducted at the MCC Centre of Excellence provided a series of new experiences for women that have been frequenting beauty culture, sewing, patch work, beralu lace making, general cookery, bakery and curtain making classes.

Workshops on Interior Decoration, Wedding Plan and Event Management–

Under the generous guidance of Mrs. Dila Weerasinghe who volunteered to conduct a series of workshops from January to March 2011 on flower bouquets, flower arrangements and table decors, students enrolled in courses facilitated by women’s organization were given an opportunity to add more knowledge and skills to their array of abilities.

Students at a flower arrangement workshop

Recognizing the current market potential that lies in wedding planning and event management in Sri Lanka, it was also considered as essential to introduce these concepts to students that would inspire and empower them to pursue business endeavours related to these fields.  The wedding planning and event management workshops were an eye opener for many village women who aspire to run their own businesses in the near future.

Students visiting Queen’s Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Current statistics from women’s enterprise courses are as below:

Receiving professional training that enables individual to pursue careers or businesses in these most sought after services and products in Sri Lanka, the potential exposed to rural women for their financial growth is immense. It is to support this very cause that the Foundation of Goodness has implemented the novel concept of microfinance for up and coming women entrepreneurs.

Sonia Hirdaramani's Microfinance Concept –

Unfolding a new leaf in Women’s Enterprises, Sonia Hirdaramani’s microfinance concept follows the deep meaning that underlies the proverb “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Acting as a powerful antecedent of success, generous funding received to initiate the microfinance program acts as a sustainable model that will empower many rural women who need a simple impetus to pave the path to success. A lump sum received from the Foundation of Goodness will help aspiring business women to begin their business venture which will be paid back to FoG in small, bearable installments over a period of time. Once the loan money is re-paid, it allows a chance for other similar needs to be met by deserving individuals, making the microfinance program function with a ripple effect, touching many lives.

Ramyani Kodithuwakku with her products

Ramyani Kodithuwakku is grateful for the microfinance scheme that she has become a beneficiary of. She states that thanks to her new found income, she’s able to support the education of her two children without depending solely on the stipend that her husband earns as a driver.

In the first phase of the project, five beneficiaries were identified to receive funding to initiate their business activities. Priyangani Kodithuwakku, a former student of Sewing and Patchwork courses and beneficiary of Microfinance scheme states, “I bought an industrial machine using microfinance loan and now I’m able to stitch curtains”. 

Priyangani Kodithuwakku with her newly bought machine

Another beneficiary, A.P. Rupawathi expresses her gratitude stating, “I have learnt to make kids’ dolls and mosquito nets through women’s enterprise courses and now my business has developed”. It is to ignite and foster this kind of success that the Foundation of Goodness always takes immense effort to succeed in every possible endeavour.

Women's Organization and Exhibition –

Looking at the enthusiasm and potential that lies with rural women, it came as no surprise when women’s organization exhibition held on 26th and 27th March 2011, concluded as a huge success. With Mrs. Indrani Iriyagolla, the president of Women’s Welfare and Development Foundation gracing the occasion as the chief guest, village women found a spark to market their products for the first time before potential customers.

Mrs. Indrani Iriyagolla lighting the traditional oil lamp at the ceremony

Forty (40) members of the women’s organization displayed their products in ten different huts making up for a mini-fair atmosphere in the village. Invitees, fellow villagers and passersby were among the crowd that participated in the event. Our special guest, Mrs. Pemila Diwakara, the first Senior Police Superintend in Sri Lanka and the presence of the divisional secretary in Hikkaduwa and women’s development officer for Galle, became a gesture of encouragement and appreciation for the courage and will power exerted by these humble village women. It showed as a sign of hope and optimism for everyone at FoG when these women made over Rs.200,000/= in two days in sales.

Enthusiastic shoppers at the fair

The Foundation of Goodness, rest with the assurance that achievements of these women, no matter how modest in nature, mean the world to them.  The enthusiasm and gratitude with which they have embraced the facilities provided for them, stands as a point of strength for the Foundation of Goodness to continue this journey of spreading goodness and compassion which benefits not only rural women, but also, their families. Consequently, we are able to see many smiles shining upon society, with rural women being empowered, financially independent and self confident, that enables them to provide much needed and better quality care for their families.

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that things are difficult.

— Seneca

Proud sustainability sponsor of Women’s Organization:

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

2011.05.16